L’ engagement réussi de l’éducation supérieure en région envers l’intelligence collective

Abstract

Higher education institutions are universally called upon to engage in a 3rd mission, the enrichment of innovations, in addition to their traditional activities of teaching and research. The facts unveiled in this text illustrate that for five decades, the universities and colleges located in the peripheral regions of Quebec have already shown a considerable commitment to this mission. Traditional education programs have multiplied, diversified and segmented, by targeting the specific needs within the communities they serve by over 30%. These needs also guide the vast majority of applied research, which has exploded since a few decades. In addition, new functions are already well carried out, mainly continuing education, business incubation and knowledge transfer. After the initial frenzy, the desired new engagement has already hit its stride. Nevertheless, there are still real possibilities. The main challenge in this regard is to design new tools to support innovation for regions in transition.